The Searcher: The Power of a Good Story

Elmore 2022-03-23 09:01:54

The Film Archive held a Warner Films-themed screening in December, and many classic old films, including this "Searcher", were screened on the domestic big screen. The attendance rate of each event was 90%, and the fans were very enthusiastic. I was no exception. Accompanied by many friends, I watched this classic Western film directed by John Ford.

My first impression of the film was the racist signal of white supremacy. The white American and the native Indian are a pair of contradictions from beginning to end. The native is a disgusting face when he comes up, and then kills the happy and harmonious white family and robs the white girl. The director succeeded in creating a murderous big scene. Badass image. At the same time, the old cowboy played by John Wayne is an upright, bohemian, tall and majestic positive tough guy who is not afraid of difficulties and dangers. With one blow, he became the hero under the gun. The whole movie revealed the arrogance of Americans, and even a bit of childish self-confidence.

Of course, this is definitely a good Western. In the film, the protagonist does not have the handsome Pose who draws a gun and shoots in "Django Unchained", there is no grand blasting scene, and there is no stimulating hormonal bridge between the hero and the heroine kissing, and it is completely attracted by the fascinating story. audience. What impressed me the most is the ingenious pictures that echo before and after the beginning and the end - starting with the gate opening, the protagonist's horse galloping slowly into the audience's eyes, and ending with the gate closing, the protagonist's tall silhouette gradually fades away. One of the most primitive and simple forms of expression, creating an arrogant, stubborn, brave and memorable western hero.

That's the power of a good story, one that remains intriguing even after more than half a century.

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Extended Reading

The Searchers quotes

  • Ethan Edwards: Livin' with Comanches ain't bein' alive.

  • Ethan Edwards: You remember that scalp string on Scar's lance? Long and wavy?

    Martin Pawley: Yeah, I saw it, and don't try to tell me it was Aunt Martha's or Lucy's.

    Ethan Edwards: It was your mother's.